My "new" R65LS

[plc]

Hi All,

Last week I asked some advice when going to look at an R65LS and an R65 Mono.

Both the financial and aesthetic fairies ultimately drew me to the LS, and I am now the proud owner of a silver 1984 R65LS. I read somewhere that someone described the LS fairing as a deformed Star Wars Storm trooper helmet, well being a huge Star Wars fan that appealed to me.

It has a few scratches and marks on the fairing and the instrument cowl has a crack but another guy at work had a spare one that has some scratches but no crack. The side covers are painted silver and off a R100, but I notice that the R65 side covers are available.

I had a spin on it the other day and it seems good. I have actually bought it as a learner bike and it seems quite easy to ride, in fact I was surprised how easy it was to get moving on it. A mate of mine rode it home and was really impressed with it. He used to have an R65LS and now owns an R100/7; he readily admits that the R65 is much nicer around town. It is only at 100 km/h and up that he prefers the R100.

I am sure the valves will need to be done and I am really keen on getting a pannier rack and the BMW touring cases. I have seen a few R65 pannier racks on line and I will check my local BMW dealer next week for a new one. I was trying to decide between the new “old style” Motocases (sold by Siebenrock) or the BMW Touring Cases which seem to still be available new.  I think the touring cases look better, simply because the Motocases look like they belong on a slightly older bike. I need to be able to carry gear on the bike for work, and I think that panniers look good on BMW bikes.

Anyhow I just wanted to thank the forum for any advice given in the past and let you know I have joined the fold of R65 owners.

All the best,
Paul

[SCJJR65]

Welcome to our little club of R65 maniacs, Paul!  Good to have you aboard!  [smiley=thumbsup.gif]

I think you'll find the LS a real gem of a bike.  It has looks that were (IMHO) ahead of its time, and it has enjoyed the reputation (like all R65s) of being superb handling bikes.  The short wheelbase of the R65s produced prior to 1985 made them exceptionally easy to maneuver in curves and twisties, where they could often leave bikes of 1000ccs or more in its exhaust!

We love to see pics, so post a couple when you can.  Several members who are regulars here have the LS, so I'm sure you can readily get answers to any questions you may have regarding any problems that surface during your quest to make it truly "your bike".

Again, good to have you here, and we all look forward to reading about your good times and adventures with your LS!  

[MrRiden]

Paul,
you have made a brilliant choice but it comes with a yolk of responsibility. I have an '82 lS and love the bike. The problem lies in customization. I just cant bring myself to modify an LS due to their unique nature. Even tho they are a sport model they do look proper with panniers fitted. Post some pics when you can.
rich

[plc]

Hi All,

Here is a photo of the new beast. A few dings and scratches but pretty good. Did some more practice riding on Wednesday, and it starts and idles really well.

All the best,
Paul